Any classic Contax users out there?

[rover]

I saw this link over on a thread at Photo.net and thought I would post it here. This gentleman offers quite a bit of service for Contax Cameras. He also services Russian Contax based RF cameras.

http://www.zeisscamera.com/

 

[Todd.Hanz]

Nice read, I have a Contax IIa with the 50mm/1.5 Sonnar. I'll keep this guys site bookmarked, thanks,

Todd

 

[Wayne R. Scott]

I, too, am guilty of using Classic Contax cameras. I have a IIIa that needs to vist Henry and when it gets back I am going to send my IIa to him to overhaul. Then I am going to send my Kiev 4AM to him after I have sent him the good stuff and see what he can do with the Russian copy. I have some supposedly pretty good lens in the Ziess Biogon 21mm f4.5, two Sonnar 50mm f1.5, a Nikkor 35mm f2.5, a Zeiss 135mm, A Russian J-9 85mm f2.0 and a Russian f2.0 53mm.

I just need to salt some overhaul money back over the next few weeks. I'll let you all know how he does on my stuff.

The IIIa needs the shutter repaired, the Kiev needs the rangefinder adjusted (at least), and the IIa just deserves to be pampered with an overhaul.

Wayne

 

[Todd.Hanz]

GEEEEZ! Wayne,
"supposedly pretty good lenses!", those are great lenses, I'm jealous. (can I have the 21mm?)

Todd

 

[Wayne R. Scott]

GEEEEZ! Wayne,
"supposedly pretty good lenses!", those are great lenses, I'm jealous. (can I have the 21mm?)

Todd

Let me think about giving you the 21mm for a minute, HMMMMMM,--------- NOPE!!!

Sorry!

Wayne

 

[taffer]

I've heard nothing more than good things about Henry Scherer's services on the classic Contaxes.

I have three Kievs now (you know, they are addictive 🙄 ), which seem to work properly being two of them recently serviced by Oleg Khalyavin, but I've been tempted about sending Henry one of them to be 'upgraded' to Contax standards...

So Wayne if you do so, I'm very curious about 'how much Contax a modern Kiev can be'.

 

[rover]

I am glad to hear good things about Henry Scherer. One little bit of info to stuff away in my brain (good thing I can bookmark favorites on the computer) for future reference should I need it.

 

[RObert Budding]

Henry overhauled my Contax IIIa, 50/1.5 Sonnar, 35/2.8 Biogon, and 135/4.0 Sonnar. He's a gentleman, and a perfectionist!

 

[jdos2]

I've several Kiev's awaiting his service (I guess I kept getting them in the hopes that someone would send me one that worked well, and I'm finally with two that do! Anyone need a J-8?)

I've heard nothing but good about him. I'm going too to send off my CZJ Chrome 50mm f/1.5 in the hopes he can rid some of the SLIGHT haze from that fine optic.
Then I'm going to do some side-by-sides with the Voigtlander Nokton f/1.5 50, let's REALLY SEE who was best!

 

[Honu-Hugger]

In addition to the Contax cameras and lenses Henry also services my other lenses (could not talk him into working on other cameras, though). He is the best technician that I've had the pleasure of doing business with and a very nice gentleman, as well. Nothing but praise for Henry!

D2

 

[rover]

I wonder what the average final cost of a IIa with 50/1.5 or 2.0 that he sell through his buying program. You have to figure almost $325-$350 for all the service (on the body and lens) and shipping. Probably at least $300 for the ebay purchase. I need to sell more stuff.

 

[Honu-Hugger]

I do not remember any of the specific charges for his services, but quite often Henry would seem apologetic when breaking the news to me and I on the otherhand was always relieved! I have never been disappointed with what he has charged for the fine work that he does.

Most recently he recemented an element on an Alpa lens for me, along with a total clean, lube, and collimation. This invovled an unusual amount of work for him because the manner of assembly of this lens was unconventional. The project was a success and the bill was a very pleasant surprise (well less than half of what my Dad had been quoted somewhere back in Chicago).

On other lists I have read complaints about Henry's prices (not often, but occasionally), but they wrongly compare his charge for a complete overhaul to a "superficial" CLA job by less reputable techs. I'm convinced that spending a little more with Henry up front is money very well spent in the long term. And no, I'm not related nor employed by Henry😀 😀 😀 Just a very satisfied customer!

D2

 

[rover]

I looked his site over pretty well and am very impressed. I really think that $600-$700 for a perfectly working Contax kit is pretty reasonable. Ultimately, most cameras bought off ebay are going to need that service, so it isn't a bad idea to buy this way if you intend on using the Contax that you buy and you want consistent results.

 

[Pherdinand]

so, Rover. You're infected too. 🙂 glad to see.

Thanks for the link.

 

[rover]

I think a Contax IIa would be #1 on my "if I only could" list.

But I don't really have a list like that.